Revealed: plans for first of 200 new council houses

Up to 200 new council houses are to be built at various locations throughout Shetland within the next five years.

Some £20m has been allocated for the provision of new housing and so far five areas have been identified: 76 houses are planned for Hoofields in Lerwick; 10 in Brae; six in Bressay; two in Sandwick and four in Virkie.

The houses are to be built in a range of styles to suit the needs of the community in question, for example in one, two and three bed groups depending on the requirements of the area.

They will be built on land currently owned by the council. The SIC is also examining which other sites could be used in other areas of Shetland.

In addition to providing more suitable housing, the council aims to encourage people to buy the new homes, which will create more money for future housing to be built.

With the use of, where possible, local contractors and suppliers, the work will also support the local economy.

A public exhibition of the site proposals is to be held in room 10 at Islesburgh from 3pm to 8pm on Friday. There will be a chance to view the firm proposals for Hoofields and the other planned sites, as well as talk to housing and technical officers.